The Automated
Weather Observing System is a collection of sensors which measure
and broadcast weather data to help meteorologists, pilots and
flight dispatchers prepare and monitor weather forecasts, plan
flight routes and provide necessary information for correct
takeoffs and landings. AWOS units provide a minute-to-minute update
to pilots by VHF radio or nondirectional beacon. Each hour AWOS
data is available to off-site users by means of telephone
communication or satellite uplink. Both Federal and nonfederal
systems are in service. The Federal Aviation Administration
purchased and currently maintains the Federal AWOS equipment.
State, local and private organizations buy and maintain nonfederal
AWOSs.